Team news, live stream, TV channels and build-up to the World Cup 2026 Group L clash
England begin their World Cup 2026 campaign tonight with a mouth-watering Group L opener against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is set for 9pm BST (3pm local time), in what is a repeat of the iconic 2018 semi-final – and England will be looking to extend their recent dominance over the Vatreni under manager Thomas Tuchel.
The Three Lions come into the tournament among the favourites, but face a tough test right out of the gate against a Croatia side that consistently overachieves on the biggest stage. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, from team news and head-to-head records to broadcast details for viewers around the world.
Team News: Livramento out, Saka a doubt, Stones set to partner Konsa
England have been forced into a late squad change, with full-back Tino Livramento withdrawn through injury. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement and is available for selection tonight. The knock Livramento picked up in training will be a concern for Tuchel, who valued his versatility across the backline.
There are further question marks over Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal star has been managing a minor issue and may not be risked from the start, with Jarrod Bowen or Cole Palmer possible deputies on the right flank. In central defence, John Stones is expected to partner Ezri Konsa in the absence of the injured Marc Guéhi, giving the Aston Villa man a chance to impress on the world stage.
Croatia are sweating on the fitness of veteran captain Luka Modrić, who is racing against time to overcome a calf niggle. Manager Zlatko Dalić insists the Real Madrid midfielder will be given every chance to prove his fitness, but Josip Stanišić and Martin Baturina are on standby should he be unavailable.
Head-to-head: Tuchel’s England hold the upper hand
History between these two nations is rich with drama, with England holding a narrow advantage in recent meetings. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have won both encounters since he took charge – a 2-1 friendly victory at Wembley in March 2025 and a dominant 3-0 Nations League win in Zagreb last September. That has extended England’s unbeaten run against Croatia to five matches, with the Vatreni’s last victory coming all the way back in 2018 – however, that win was a 2-1 World Cup semi-final triumph of huge significance.
“We have great respect for Croatia, but we’ve shown in recent games that we can dominate them,” Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference. “If we execute our game plan, I’m confident we’ll start the tournament strongly.”
Overall, Croatia lead the all-time record by a single win, but the recent momentum is firmly with England as they look to lay down a marker in Group L.
How to watch England vs Croatia
Kick-off: 9pm BST
Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV and streaming options vary by territory. In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and ITVX. For viewers in the United States, FOX and Telemundo hold the rights, with streaming available on Fubo and Peacock. Australian fans can tune in via SBS and SBS On Demand. For a complete, up-to-date list of global broadcasters, check FourFourTwo’s dedicated how-to-watch guide.
Key Takeaways
- England face Croatia in their World Cup 2026 opener at AT&T Stadium, with a 9pm BST kick-off.
- Thomas Tuchel’s side have won their last two meetings with Croatia and are unbeaten in five against the Vatreni.
- Tino Livramento is out through injury, replaced by Trevoh Chalobah; Bukayo Saka is a doubt to start.
- John Stones is expected to partner Ezri Konsa in central defence, while Croatia sweat on Luka Modrić’s fitness.
- UK viewers can watch on ITV/ITVX, US audiences on FOX/Fubo, and Australian fans on SBS On Demand.
Quick Facts
Fixture: England vs Croatia (World Cup 2026 Group L)
Kick-off time: 9pm BST (3pm CT)
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
UK TV: ITV 1 / ITVX
US TV: FOX / Fubo / Peacock
Australia TV: SBS / SBS On Demand
Recent meetings: England 3-0 Croatia (Sep 2025), England 2-1 Croatia (Mar 2025)
All-time record: Croatia lead by one win, but England unbeaten in last five
